Kansas freshman center Joel Embiid announced Wednesday he will enter the NBA draft.

The 7-foot Cameroon native averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6
blocks and was considered the frontrunner to be taken No. 1 in the June
draft until a back injury forced him to sit out the Big 12 and NCAA
tournament.

"I just want to thank God first for giving me this opportunity to
come to the (United States) and play ball," Embiid said in a statement
released by the school. "I want to thank the coaching staff, my
teammates, the fans -- everyone that's helped me through my journey.
After thinking a lot, I've decided to declare for the NBA draft."